Abstract: The present invention is directed at an all-fiber in line isolator. The basic isolator includes a monomode optical fiber, a multimode waveguide, a coil or other traditional means to generate a magnetic field, and a fiber block or other traditional means to couple the fiber to the waveguide. In one embodiment, the fiber has a core and a cladding, and maintains a circular state of light polarization. The fiber has a coupling region where the cladding is partially removed. The waveguide evanescently couples to the fiber along the coupling region. The waveguide has magneto-optical properties such that applying a magnetic field along it causes backward propagating light to transfer to the waveguide with minimal disturbance to forward propagating light. Other embodiments using birefringent optical fibers are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A sensing system with a multichannel fiber optic bundle (MFOB) sensitive probe for measuring displacement, vibrations, roughness and two angles between a probe tip and light reflected target. The MFOB sensitive probe includes three branches of transmitting and receiving channels. The tip end of the MFOB is arranged in a rectangular 3*3 matrix formation. The other end of the MFOB includes eleven optical tips and connectors for optically connecting the tip of each channel, through optical filters, with light sensors and light sources. The sensing system further includes an electronic portion, having a thermostabilized box, an analog portion of an electronic module, a multifunction input/output board for use with a computer, and a controller for programmably controlling and measuring all parameters using computer analysis.